Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody Field Office announced today that the Decision Record for the Little Mountain Travel Management Plan (TMP) Environmental Assessment (EA), as amended in 2010, has been signed.

A TMP for the Little Mountain area was developed by the Cody Field Office in 2005 and 2006. Public input was sought from 2004 to 2006 through public meetings and comment periods. Throughout the spring of 2010, the BLM worked with the public, county and state governments and other federal agencies to resolve travel management issues. In support of this, the BLM hosted field trips and a listening session to discuss the initial implementation of the Little Mountain TMP.

As a result of additional information gained from these outreach efforts, the Cody Field Office has amended the Little Mountain TMP. The amended TMP addresses the public and administrative concerns with regard to access needs, while protecting resources, promoting safety and minimizing
conflicts among various uses on public lands.

Copies of the Decision Record, the amended Little Mountain TMP EA and the Little Mountain Travel Management Map are available online or at the Cody Field Office located at 1002 Blackburn Street in Cody. In addition, the public will find updated maps and information at key access points in the Little Mountain area.

For more information, contact the Cody Field Office at (307) 578-5900.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, though on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first (and only) U.S. state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.[1] Title 36 of the United States Code, Subtitle I, Part A, CHAPTER 1, § 110[2] is the official statute on Flag Day; however, it is at the President's discretion to proclaim officially the observance.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Thermopolis – A Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper patrolling US 20/WYO 789 in the Wind River Canyon was witness to a Burlington Northern freight train derailment into the Big Horn River shortly after noon Wednesday, according to a press release from the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

After the derailment the two engineers aboard the locomotive climbed out the side window of the lead locomotive as the cab filled with water. The engineers made their way to the safety of the
hillside. The Trooper and the engineers yelled back and forth to each other across the river and the engineers advised they had no serious injuries.

The incident began when the Trooper noticed a huge rock resting on the rail line in the canyon approximately 6 miles south of Thermopolis. The Trooper notified the Wyoming Highway Patrol Dispatch Center in Cheyenne who in turn was on the phone notifying Burlington Northern of the
blocked rail. The Trooper estimated the rock to be about 8 feet across and 6 feet high.

Before Burlington Northern could make notification to their personnel a southbound train struck the rock. Both lead locomotives and the first three cars derailed with the lead locomotive going into the Big Horn River.

The Big Horn River separates highway US 20/WYO 789 and the railroad line and the Trooper was unable to cross the river. It has been determined that the locomotives are spilling diesel fuel from their fuel tanks into the river. In addition, the first rail car behind the locomotives was loaded with bentonite which is also spilling into the river.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers remain on scene to assist the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Department and the Hot Springs County Search and Rescue. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has also been notified of the hazardous material spill into the Big Horn River.

At this time it is unknown how much damage has been done to Burlington Northerns rail line or the quality of the river. US 20/WYO 789 through the Wind River Canyon remains open to vehicular traffic.

Troopers report snowfall and snow mixed with rain has been falling in the area since last evening.

The Big Horn County Sheriff's Department will possibly be used as municipal aide for the agencies dealing with the accident, according to Sheriff Ken Blackburn.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The Rocky Mountain High School music department will stage the musical “Man of La Mancha” this week at the RMHS Auditorium in Byron. The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) and Saturday.

Written by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, this elaborate musical takes place in a prison in Seville, Spain, at the end of the 16th century. Miguel De Cervantes is a full-time actor and part-time tax collector who is thrown into prison, along with his loyal friend, after serving a collection notice and lien on a monastery.

The prisoners threaten to take and destroy all of their belongings, including Cervantes' lone manuscript of his masterpiece play. They are put on trial by the prisoners themselves and have to act out their play in order to save themselves and their remaining possessions. What follows is a fantastic ride through Cervantes' imagination where the prisoners have to play as characters in this "play within a play."

“It's been a great ride through the whole production, and we are so thrilled to be working with such a wonderful group of young people,” Director Spencer Clark said.

“Also, an extra special thanks to all the moms who have helped keep us going by supplying us with delicious food during our rehearsals,” Clark said. “Rocky Mountain staff: thanks for all of your patience and support through this. Sorry if we have missed anyone; that doesn't mean that we aren't grateful.”

Saturday, May 1, 2010

A series of oral history podcasts of former Wyoming Secretary of State Thyra Thomson are now available on the Wyoming State Archives, wyoarchives.org.

Originally interviewed by Mark Junge in 1993 for his book, “The Wind is My Witness,” Thomson speaks about her strong advocacy for women’s rights and her life in public office.

“I quickly saw around me in State Government how it was a man’s world, women’s place,” Thomson said. “There were so many things going on in which there was not a justice, and it was natural for me to pursue it not only in Wyoming, but nationwide because Wyoming was the Equality State.”

She first ran for office after the untimely death of her husband, Republican congressman and senator-elect Keith Thomson.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

There is still time for households to send back their 2010 Census questionnaire. The U.S. Census Bureau is encouraging all households that have not returned their census form to get it in the mail by April 16.

Census workers are about to begin non-response follow-up, which involves visiting housing units that have not returned a census questionnaire. Households that mail back their census form this week diminish the likelihood of a census worker coming to their door. The follow-up operation will begin May 1 and end Aug. 27. The U.S. Census Bureau will still accept forms in the coming weeks, but households may still be visited by a census worker.

For households that did not receive a questionnaire, or if a person feels they were left off their household’s form, they can pick-up questionnaire from a Questionnaire Assistance Center (QAC) or Be Counted site. These sites are open until April 19. People can also call 1-866-872-6868 to get a form sent to them (Spanish: 1-866-928-2010).

Wyoming is currently trailing the national Census 2010 mail participation rate. As of Wednesday, April 14, Wyoming’s mail back participation rate was 64 percent, the U.S. 67 percent. Wyoming counties that currently have the highest mail participation rate include Laramie, Sweetwater, Park and Washakie. The counties on the lower end of the mail participation rate spectrum include Sublette, Teton, Carbon and Lincoln. Wyoming is also falling behind the mail participation rates of surrounding states, such as Colorado, Nebraska, Idaho, South Dakota and Utah.

You can track the Census 2010 mail participation rate for your community on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Take 10 Map, which is updated daily Monday-Friday, here.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Calling all crazy people … the first ever Bighorn Canyon Triathlon is Saturday, June 19, 2010! 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run. Entry fee is $12 for soloists and $30 for teams. Race starts at 7:30 a.m. with check in between 6:30 and 7:15. Entry fees must be remitted before race day. Contact beezeen@yahoo.com or call Ben at 307-254-0344 for more information.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Soldiers from the Wyoming Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery, 115th Fires Brigade, will return to the Casper Natrona County International Airport's Nerd Hanger at 11:20 a.m., 2 p.m. and 2:50 p.m., on April 1.

This is the second of three groups of returning Soldiers. Those returning include Soldiers from the 2-300th, as well as 960th Brigade Support Battalion service members who were attached to them for the deployment.

Brief welcome home ceremonies will take place after the first and last aircraft arrive. Soldiers from the first aircraft will be dismissed immediately following the first event.

Members of the public are invited to join the Soldiers' families in welcoming the unit home. The Nerd Hanger, located next to the commercial aircraft terminal, will be open to family members, media and the public two hours prior to the chartered aircraft arrival. Those planning to attend will be
directed to a designated parking area at the airport.

This group of roughly 400 Wyoming Soldiers left the Casper airport in April 2009, to conduct pre-mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas, before making the journey to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The mission of this unit was to conduct convoy security and escort missions throughout Kuwait and Iraq.

Throughout its deployment, the 2-300 FA conducted more than 15,500 convoy security and personnel security missions, drove more than 3.2 million miles and moved and secured more than 500,000 Department of Defense personnel in Kuwait. The unit also integrated more than 200 Soldiers from outside units into the battalion from more than 36 different states, secured more than
48,000 logistics vehicles into Iraq and maintained accountability of more than $94 million worth of military equipment.

Additional duties for this unit included command and control operations, communication support, logistical support, intelligence support, medical support and electronic warfare support for more than 680 Soldiers operating in three different countries.

Homecoming event coordinators are looking for volunteers to help wave flags and welcome Wyoming Soldiers home. For more information on how to help with the ceremony, please contact the Wyoming Guard's Yellow Ribbon Program by calling Deputy Military Personnel Officer, Ms. Corey Loghry, at (307) 772-5933.

For additional information, contact the Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs Office at (307) 772-5253.

Monday, March 29, 2010

At the request of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, a flushing flow will be provided on the Bighorn River below Boysen Dam, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The flushing flow is designed to flush fine sediments from the spawning gravels in the Big Horn River below Boysen Dam.

Releases from Boysen Reservoir

March 30, 20100200 hours - Increase the release from Boysen Dam from the current release of approximately 700 cfs to 3,000cfs

0700 hours - Increase the release from Boysen Dam from approximately 3,000 cfs to 5,000 cfs.

1700 hours - Decrease the release from approximately 5,000 cfs to 3,000 cfs.

2000 hours - Decrease the release from approximately 3,000 cfs to 2,700 cfs.

2200 hours - Decrease the release from approximately 2,700 cfs to 2,450 cfs.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Wow oh wow, what a show! The best I've ever ever seen, anywhere anytime. If you ever get a chance to see them live, go! Not jazz, not pop, not classical, an all around grat show of music and comedy. Muscianship was superb!

The 27th annual Northwest Jazz Festival gets underway Wednesday-Friday, March 17-19, in Powell, with performances by an Austrian brass ensemble and a Northwest College alum’s vocal group. Concerts are scheduled all three days.

Wednesday, March 17: The festival kicked off a 7:30 p.m. concert by M-pact, hailed as "one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world" by the San Francisco Chronicle. The Los Angeles-based a cappella sextet features the bass renditions of Trist Curless, a former NWC student from Cheyenne.

Thursday, March 18: The instruments change from voice to brass for the concert when the Mnozil Brass takes the stage this evening. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with the All-State Jazz Band followed by the NWC Jazz Band and then Mnozil Brass to close out the performance.

Mnozil Brass

The seven-piece ensemble has been around since 1992. What began as a handful of players performing together in Josef Mnozil’s tavern in Vienna, Austria, has become so well-known in concert circles, the group now plays more than 120 concerts around the world each year.

Both concerts are being held in the Powell High School Auditorium.

Mnozil Brass tickets are $30. They can be purchased online by following the “Jazz Festival” link at http://www.northwestmusic.org, or in person at Cody Newsstand in Cody, the Northwest College Bookstore and Nelson Performing Arts Center on campus in Powell.

Friday, March 19: The festival’s best student performers are featured in a 3 p.m. concert in the Nelson Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Admission is free.
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Yellowstone Jazz ALIVE! - Cody

The public will again be able to sample fine dining and great jazz in the third of the successful wintertime live jazz series on Saturday, March 20. Yellowstone Jazz ALIVE! continues as a service to the arts in the local area. As the festival, now celebrating its twenty-third year, presents this monthly event jazz lovers at a dining venue Cody area, according to a press release.

Craig Hall

Bozeman guitarist Craig Hall will be leading a trio performing jazz standards while diners enjoy listening to jazz at the Terrace on the west Cody strip. Montana-born guitarist (and acoustic bassist) Craig Hall has had a busy year, having played with Grace Kelly, Joey Caldarazo, Scotty Wright, Benito Gonzalez, Azar Lawrence, Dena DeRose and Eddie Marshall as well as a slate of in-state players, including the Bozeman early-swing jazz violin-based group "The String Jumpers." But this trio is his favorite outlet.

Other members of the trio will be drummer Adam Greenberg who has been playing music for more than 20 years. Adam led his own big band as well as playing with various groups in the Midwest, before moving to Montana. There he has landed in a wide variety of ensembles including the Montana Mandolin Society and the Jeni Fleming Group. Bassist Mike Carey studied at the UW-Madison Jazz Dept. under the direction of Richard Davis before migrating to Bozeman and has quickly become a top-call player for groups of all styles.

This series began in January this year and will continue through May. It is free, with no cover charge. Dinner reservations at Terrace can be made by calling 587-5868. For more information on these events, the artists, and dinner menus available please visit the festival website at www.yellowstonejazz.com.

The Yellowstone Jazz Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts and also from private and business donors.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Town of Lovell will hold a meeting about composting as a possible alternative solution to burning yard waste in Lovell. Everyone is invited to attend and ask questions at 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Gov. Dave and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal at the press conference this morning where the Governor announced he will not seek a third term.Photo courtesy of Governor's office.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal issued the following statement after announcing he will not seek a third term at a press conference on Thursday, March 4, .

“We are here today, in part, to confirm that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2010. This decision is not made lightly but enjoys strong support from my family. I suspect this statement comes as no surprise to most observers of the Wyoming political scene,” Freudenthal said.

"The more important purpose of today is for Nancy and me to thank the Wyoming citizens for allowing us the opportunity to serve as your Governor and First Lady. As I am fond of saying, in the end being Governor is still just a job – a unique one – but a job nonetheless,” the Governor said.

“We look forward to working with our successor later this year in a transition process which will be marked by a sense of cooperation and goodwill,” Freudenthal said.

“I also want to thank the many dedicated state employees, agency administrators and citizen members of the many state boards and commissions that have contributed to our success,” Freudenthal said.

“In the remaining ten months of my term, we will continue to serve the State to the best of our ability. Although, I must admit that the time previously dedicated to campaigning will now be dedicated to simply enjoying the great people and unique outdoor lifestyle of Wyoming,” Freudenthal said.

“Governor Freudenthal has created a lasting legacy for our state," U.S. Senator John Barrasso said following the announcement. "There’s no question that Dave always puts Wyoming first. We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship and our state has excelled under his leadership.

“Bobbi and I wish Dave and Nancy all the best.”

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., issued a statement following the Governor's announcement:“I appreciate the way Dave has worked with the delegation in Washington and me in particular. Cooperation gets a lot done for Wyoming. Dave has been a good spokesman and salesman for our state. His fiscal conservatism and his recognition of the power of the legislature has resulted in good things getting done and bad things from happening. Assuming the rest of the year goes well, Dave will be pleased with his legacy and I thank him for his service.”

Rep. Elaine Harvey (R-Lovell) released a statement Thursday following the Governor's announcement:

"Over the years, I have had many opportunities to work with Governor Freudenthal. Even though we have fundamental differences in philosophies, we have had an amicable working relationship. He worked hard helping us have the resources and contacts to work with federal agencies to keep water in the lake. He has supported projects for our area in his capacity of SLIB Chairman. He knows where we are and has visited our schools and community. I have appreciated his support in making our area an important part of the state."

The Republican Governors Association spokesman Tim Murtaugh released the following statement:

“Washington, DC Democrats had high hopes that Dave Freudenthal would run for another term, which would have required him to challenge state law and overturn the will of the people of Wyoming. His decision further indicates that national Democrats are out of touch with real people, including those in the Cowboy State. “Freudenthal is the latest in an increasingly long line of Democratic governors declining to seek re-election, which means Wyoming now becomes a prime pick-up opportunity for us. The scary thing for Democrats is that incumbent governors in Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, Maryland and Iowa are far worse positioned than Freudenthal was.”

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Lovell Lady Bulldogs beat Greybull and Kemmerer to enter the championship game. They were beat by Wyoming Indian 56-55 to take second in the tourney.

The Rocky Mountain Lady Grizzlies will also be headed to Casper next weekend, after beating Big Piney, falling to Wyoming Indian and taking down Riverside Saturday morning. They beat Kemmerer Saturday for third place.

The Lovell Bulldogs went into overtime against Kemmerer this morning, winning 56-55 for a trip to State. Lovell lost to Wind River and beat Big Piney earlier in the tourney and later lost to Wind River to place fourth.

The Rocky Mountain Grizzlies were bounced from Regionals and missed qualifying for State with losses to Kemmerer and Saratoga.

The WHSAA is not updating the state wrestling brackets like they do with Basketball or Swimming or most any other sport. Swimming is updated as soon as an event is finished … I knew who's in finals and consols as soon as the prelims are finished. I'm sure that the WHSAA could do that for wrestling as well.

The Lovell and Rocky Mountain girls basketball teams won their first games at the 2A Regional Basketball Tournament in Riverton yesterday (Thursday, Feb. 25). Here's their bracket with times and places for the next game.

When will TCT set up streaming video for Macs? We're very disappointed. Also cannot find any telecast or audio of the games on their new lineup. Boo.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Two helicopters, each carrying a pilot and crew, arrived at Cottonwood Canyon Friday morning. They greeted a crowd of 30-plus people including Game and Fish officials, students, reporters and other observers with an overhead fly-by before bobbing through the canyon to scour the sagebrush dotted topography for Big Horn sheep.

The Game and Fish carried out the capture as part of a transplant operation to re-locate a dozen sheep from south of Devil’s Canyon to the Seminoe Mountains near Rawlins.

In the paper:
Micheli kicks off campaign
LHS students ready to 'Pack the Place in Pink'
Legislative preview from Rep. Elaine Harvey
Sheriff and police blotters
County officials announce election intentions
BHC public health
High school sports

Friday, January 29, 2010

After a huge turnout Thursday at the screening of footage from the final float down Big Horn Canyon and an earlier trip down the river, the National Park Service is showing the films again, Saturday, Jan. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Hyart Theater in Lovell.

"Last night we had a huge turn out for Historic Movie Night," said Christy Fleming of the NPS. "208 people turned out. We stuffed the Auditorium to overflowing and still had to turn away over 100 people."

After speaking to Hyart management, Fleming worked out a deal to show the films at the historic theater in Lovell, which should have no problem with over capacity.

After leading throughout most of the game, the Lovell Lady Bulldogs held off
a Rocky Mountain run late in the game to clinch the 60-53 win. For a
full report, check out the Feb. 4 edition of the Lovell Chronicle.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Opponents of genetically modified sugar beets have filed a request for a preliminary injunction last week in U.S. District Court for the Northern Division of California. If approved, the injunction could force farmers to return to planting traditional seeds in the future. The vast majority of U.S. farmers – about 95 percent – planted the seeds in question during 2009.

Since Roundup Ready beets were approved for use in 2005, farms all over the country quickly began using the seeds. The seeds are genetically modified (GM) to withstand the herbicide Roundup, which many farmers favor because it requires fewer applications than other traditional herbicide chemicals and does a good job of protecting sugar beets from weeds.

Could this litigation affect the 2010 growing season?
As of now, the Court has not taken any action since Dec. 4 that would restrict growers' choice to plant Roundup Ready sugar beets in 2010. While we are unable to predict how the court will ultimately rule in the remedy phase, or if the judge will alter the court schedule based on this request, the plaintiff’s request for an injunction at this point in the case is unwarranted simply based on sound factual and legal principles.

How would you respond to those who have concerns about GM crops?
Opponents of GM crops often describe them as “untested” and “unsafe.” This is simply untrue. In fact, many opponents of biotech or GM crops do not have any background in science or agriculture, and rely on something sensational they’ve seen on the Internet and forwarded on. Many opponents of GM also use scare tactics that unfairly attack this technology, and/or intentionally leave out key details, which can be very misleading.

How is the process in GM plants different than what is happening in nature?
A plant’s DNA is like its own internal roadmap. It naturally grows and develops as it has been programmed to by its previous generation. With breeding, seed companies introduce the absolute best lines to each other to grow stronger plants with the best traits possible (farmers have been doing this for thousands of years with animals and crops). Breeding techniques provide plants with very good information on their maps.

With biotech, we’re able to take breeding a step farther and introduce genes to the plant that adds additional information to their roadmap. For example, we have the technology to make it resistant to glyphosate (aka Roundup). While it kills weeds throughout the field, the plant is immune to that herbicide application (when applied properly). We also have introduced the Bt protein, which kills insect larvae before they destroy the plant or its root system. There are other options, too, such as drought-resistant technology and the ability to “stack” traits.

Is the Roundup Ready system safe?
In the past, combinations of horribly unsafe, harsh chemicals were required for weed control. Roundup has been used for many years. Other chemicals go into the soil, but Roundup is applied to the leaf and is non-leaching. As far as herbicides go, Roundup is one of the safest on the market.
Also, Monsanto is working with some of the best scientists in the world. If they foresee a problem, they can make adjustments. That is an issue with any herbicide treatment, but something easily managed.

What are the advantages or the Roundup Ready system?
It’s a quality of life issue for growers. It’s purchasing chemicals, storage and handling fees, the labor involved in spraying a dozen more times a year, compared to spraying Roundup once or twice a year. The time and energy spent is radically different with the Roundup Ready system.

Monday, January 25, 2010

In August of 1965, a diverse group of 29 men began what would be referred to as “The Last Trip.”

Leaving a sand and rock covered beach south of the confluence of the Shoshone and Big Horn Rivers in five rubber boats, these men floated down the Big Horn River through Big Horn Canyon.

On Jan. 28, 2010, starting at 7 p.m. at the Big Horn Canyon Visitor Center, Wes Meeker of Lovell will share his story and film footage of that historic trip. A second film, taken by five adventurous men in August of 1949, will be shown afterwards.